What do you do if you run out of money(and dont have a credit card) in a forgien country? Western Union?

Question

I get paid when I'm on vacation but how can I access it to turn it into the currency of the country i'm in?

I have online banking, so would I transfer money into my mom's account have her western union it to me? How does it work?

Answer 1

You need to get an ATM card.  Otherwise you will pay an arm and a leg for Western Union.  Your mom would take the money to a Western Union location, pay a bunch of fees, they will wire it to your agreed upon destination, give you a bad rate, and then give you the money.  You need to have a location to pick it up at.  I would ask to borrow money from your mom and buy travelers check.  It's still not the best way, but cheaper than Western Union.

Answer 2

Using Western Union to wire money is not cost effective as they get a 10% fee. I know that you said you don't have a credit card but perhaps you should consider one if you are going to vacation in foreign countries. Visa provides the very best exchange on foreign currencies. There are many cards available with no annual fee and if you pay the balance off each month you pay zero interest.